Boaters

May 13, 1986

BOATERS WHO VIOLATE the rules of the waves may avoid the possibility of jail sentences, but they would be subject more frequently to $35 fines under a bill debated Monday in the House. The bill (CS/HBs 414 & 548) would decriminalize violations of many boating safety rules and regulations and substitute tickets and $35 fines instead. One of the bill's chief sponsors, Rep. Ron Silver, D-North Miami Beach, said the punishment for infraction of many boating rules is so severe that marine law enforcement officers are hesitant to charge people with violations. The rules may be better enforced if marine police could write tickets for non-criminal infractions, he said. Silver is betting that people cited for a violation would prefer to pay the $35 fine than go to court and risk being found guilty, which could result in a $500 fine. Under current law, a maximum punishment of 60 days in jail, a $500 fine or both is prescribed for violations like improper registration of a boat. Under the bill, a violation of posted speeds or wake restrictions would become first-degree misdemeanors, punishable by a year in jail, a $1,000 fine or both. The bill was amended Monday so that counties can decide whether to regulate noise levels for boat motors. Final action on the bill is scheduled today.